Firefighter Paramedic - Professional

Description

The Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) will be accepting applications for the position of Firefighter Paramedic – Professional Experience beginning March 2, 2026. Candidates must agree to a two-year assignment in a paramedic post position. Please review this entire pre-recruitment announcement for important information.

Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to complete a JOB INTEREST CARD to receive an email notification when the recruitment opens and to visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). for more information.

The Biddle Physical Ability Test will be coordinated by the OCFA at a nearby Orange County college and proctored by the college staff. Possession of a current Biddle Physical Ability Certificate completed on or after October 1, 2025 WILL be substituted for this portion of the selection process. The OCFA does NOT accept a CPAT in lieu of participation in the Biddle Physical Ability Test.

Candidates who successfully complete the selection process and are chosen for employment with the Orange County Fire Authority must successfully complete a comprehensive firefighter academy.

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Possession of a high school diploma or equivalency certificate
• Currently employed as a full-time, paid Firefighter/Paramedic (dual role) for a minimum of six (6) months with a government agency by March 29, 2026

Examples of government experience includes cities, counties, public education institutions, special districts/authorities, Tribal, and state and federal government.

• Possession of a valid Class C California Driver License or out of state equivalent
• Possession of a current, valid California or National Registry Paramedic License (Applicants will be required to attach a copy of their current, valid Paramedic License at time of application submission. Failure to submit the required documentation will result in disqualification.)

• Monday, March 2, 2026:
  Recruitment Opens
• Sunday, March 29, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.:
  Last day to apply online
• April 18 – April 30, 2026:
  Biddle Physical Agility Test coordinated by the OCFA (possession of a current Biddle Physical Ability Certificate completed on or after October 1, 2025 will be substituted)
• June 1 – 19, 2026:
  Paramedic Assessment Center (Interview/Skills/Written)
• TBD:
  Eligibility List Established
• July 1 – 17, 2026:
  Chief's Interview
• August 17 – November 30, 2026:
  Background Investigation, Pre-employment Medical Examination, and Pre-Academy Physical Fitness Assessment
• December 11, 2026:
  Academy On-Boarding Orientation
• February 5, 2027:
  First Day of Fire Academy/Family Orientation

Additional information regarding the selection process will be available on the recruitment announcement when the recruitment opens on March 2, 2026.

This classification is represented by the OCPFA Local 3631. Please visit http:// for more information.

Base Salary Adjustments: Effective the pay period which includes January 1, 2026 (PP02) – Salary range for each classification will be adjusted by 2.75%. Employees will receive their increase once they are eligible for a merit increase per OCPFA Local 3631 – Base Salary side letter.

Merit Salary Increases: Employees are eligible for an initial merit salary increase (1 to 4 steps) on the first day of the pay period following completion of fifty-two (52) weeks of service, and thereafter annually based on their work performance and until they reach the top of their 12-step salary range.

Health Benefits: Pursuant to a Health Plan Agreement, the Authority contributes to the OCPFA medical benefit trust fund for health insurance and other related benefits. Brown Insurance Services (BIS) is the administrator for these benefits. The current contribution to the medical benefit trust fund will continue through 6/30/2026 in the amount of $2,199.49/month for “actively employed” enrollee members of the unit.

Retirement: All regular OCFA employees are…